This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of the first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
Four of the incoming students joining the NC State College of Education this fall will be part of the Goodnight Scholars Program’s Class of 2026.
The Goodnight Scholars Program, which was established in 2008 by NC State alumni Jim and Ann Goodnight, provides North Carolina residents from low- and middle-income families interested in studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or STEM education with a scholarship valued at $22,000. Scholars who arrive as first-year students receive their scholarship for four years, and scholars who arrive as transfer students receive their scholarships for up to three years.
Meet the four Goodnight Scholars who will join the NC State College of Education this fall.
Kimmie Tomczak
Raleigh, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: Playing instruments, baking, knitting and planning parties.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I love being close to home and getting to learn how to teach in the place that some of my favorite teachers learned! It makes me feel connected to those that have helped me so much.
Why did you choose your major?
I want to give back to my community and pay forward the support that I have been given by my teachers.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
Being a Goodnight Scholar means that I am someone that can be a productive member of society and a leader for future generations in my community.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m super excited for all the fun extracurriculars — yay, band!
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I was gifted a safe space to learn and grow as a person by all of my teachers, something I could not be more grateful for. I want to be the reason that people are excited to learn something new and a guide for our future generations to help them discover their true passions.
Kate Hamilton
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach and trying new things. I also really enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
When looking at different colleges, I wanted a college that fit all my needs and NC State covered it all. I was looking for a new atmosphere with diversity, a place where I was able to grow and discover new things. NC State felt like the perfect new home. The other big factor was the education program. NC State offers a great education program and I am excited to be part of the education community.
Why did you choose your major?
I always had a passion working with kids, and it came easy to me. I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a teacher and started getting myself into classrooms and programs where I was able to work with kids.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
I am so thankful to be a Goodnight Scholar and have the opportunity to be in the program. I feel as though I have the opportunity to grow and also be a leader in the community. I am excited for what lies ahead of me and everything that I will learn as a Goodnight Scholar.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people and exploring Raleigh. I am excited to be in a city with so many things to do.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
The teachers that I had who supported me throughout the years and were there pushing me to become the best version of myself were the reason I really wanted to become an educator. I hope that one day I can inspire others and help them learn what they want to do in life.
Madison Pullium
Clayton, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: Playing and coaching volleyball, playing tennis, working on puzzles and drawing.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
My dad is an NC State alumnus, and I have been a Wolfpack fan my entire life. When it came time to apply for college, I knew that NC State would have to be on my list; however, I was unsure if it would be the right fit for me academically. But, that all changed after one virtual information session with the NC State College of Education during my junior year. I fell in love with the college’s community and how even at such a big university you are still able to experience the personal relationships and connections you would at a smaller university. Also, learning that NC State was the No. 1 producer of STEM educators in North Carolina, I knew that I would be receiving the best education for my career.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose middle grades math education because of my own experiences in middle school. I noticed middle school is the time where students are beginning to figure out who they are and what kind of students they wish to become. Seeing so many of my peers give up on the idea that they were capable just because their teachers gave up on them truly broke my heart. I want to go into the classroom and push my students to be the best version of themselves and to know that I will always believe in them. Also, I know math isn’t always everyone’s favorite subject, so I want to remove that stigma and show how much depth and fun there is within the subject.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
It means everything to me to be a Goodnight Scholar. I still cannot believe that I was selected to be a part of such an amazing and diverse program.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year I am most looking forward to immersing myself fully in the freshman experience and taking in all of the opportunities NC State has to offer.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I have had two major inspirations in my life regarding my career choice: my mom and my papa. My mother was a high school teacher and being able to see the impact she had on her students and witness her love for the classroom inspired me. My papa is a retired pastor of 50+ years, and his leadership and connections with his congregation are something I will always admire and strive to obtain in my own career.
Rebekah Hope Sharpe
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: Singing, playing the guitar, reading, spending time with Jesus, staying active and playing volleyball.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I loved the community within the College of Education, and I felt as though I would be best equipped as a teacher being taught at NC State! I also look forward to opportunities that the Goodnight Scholars Program community is providing me with.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always loved working with young children, and I think teaching foundational educational principles can shape a child’s entire future. I want to inspire children to love learning!
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
To me, being a Goodnight Scholar is a huge honor. I was chosen to be a part of a community full of people who want to change the world and are ready to learn how. Being a Goodnight Scholar means having the best community, opportunity and resources possible to become an amazing teacher and make a difference in the world.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people who I can grow with and learn from! I know that my peers will have incredibly diverse backgrounds and experiences, and it will be so special getting to know them.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
When I was younger, I knew from my first year in school that I loved school, and also loved to learn. This love for learning made me excited about life and really changed the course of my future. I want to be that same inspiration for other children so that they love learning and believe in their own futures.
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